NEW EU STRATEGIC AGENDA FOR INDIA

The European Union and India have been strategic partners since 2004, building a relationship grounded in shared democratic values and global ambitions. In 2018, the EU adopted a strategy on India, setting the foundation for deeper cooperation. This partnership reached a new milestone in 2025 with the publication of the New Strategic EU–India Agenda, following the College’s visit to New Delhi on 26–27 February and the second meeting of the EU–India Trade and Technology Council (TTC).

The new Agenda, officially endorsed by the Council of the EU on 20 October 2025, provides a comprehensive framework to identify areas of common strategic interest and to strengthen cooperation across three main pillars:

• sustainable economic growth;
• a shared technology and innovation agenda;
• enhanced collaboration in security and defence.

The year 2025 also saw significant progress in the EU–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. After the 10th and 11th rounds of talks held in Brussels and New Delhi earlier in the year, both partners agreed on a two-stage approach to finalizing the deal, while continuing parallel discussions on an Investment Protection Agreement and a Geographical Indications Agreement.

The webinar, which took place on 13 November 2025, explored the objectives, achievements, and next steps of the New Strategic EU–India Agenda, and discussed how this renewed partnership can shape the global landscape in trade, technology, and security cooperation.